Soft side cooler with utility board

ABSTRACT

A soft side cooler including an outer casing and an inner liner preferably with an insulating layer therebetween enclosing a cavity of a body defined by sidewalls with lower edges continuously joined to the periphery of a planar bottom covered by a detachably fastenable lid preferably having a peripheral lip extending toward the body such that a first strip affixed along an upper linear edge of the sidewalls of the body and corresponding lower strip aligned along lid of the cooler are capable of mated engagement and disengagement to close and open the lid of the cooler and including a sleeve, preferably atop the lid surface, wherein the sleeve is configured for mated correspondence with a removeable utensil preferably a rigid and substantially flat utility board configured such that the tensile pressure exerted by the sleeve about the utility board is sufficient for retaining the utility board therewithin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to and benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/708,121 having a filing date of Jan. 3, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to insulated coolers and, more particularly, to a soft side insulated, waterproof cooler with a utility board removeably housed therein.

BACKGROUND

Coolers are commonly used to cool food and drinks cool on picnics, camping trips, beach trips, and other excursions where conventional refrigeration is inadequate or unavailable. Traditional coolers, commonly known as “ice chests” or “ice boxes” were box-shaped and had solid and often galvanized exteriors. However, hard body coolers are often inconvenient because their fixed shape can make them heavy and awkward to stow or transport, limiting space for other supplies and equipment.

As a result, soft-body coolers developed as a popular alternative. While soft-body coolers can be easier to stow or transport, shortcomings including their lack of durability and limited insulation properties presented shortcomings limiting their utility. Particular drawback of soft-body coolers include a tendency to leak and sweat, and incapacity for maintaining a consistently cool temperatures provided by a hard-body cooler. Moreover, soft-body coolers lack insulation on the top of the cooler, therefore severely decreasing the cooler's temperature maintenance properties.

Accordingly, there is an ongoing need for improved soft-body coolers to address the above-mentioned persisting drawbacks and deficiencies. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to these and other considerations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Addressing such and other drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention provides an improved soft side cooler including a casing forming a body enclosing an insulated core and attached closeable lid featuring a removeable utility board within a sleeve affixed to a surface of the cooler wherein the sleeve is configured for tensionably fitted correspondence with the utility board. In preferred embodiments of the present soft side cooler, the casing includes a body of the soft side cooler is composed of four integral opposing vertical panels joined to a bottom panel to configure a substantially box-shaped cavity and a detachably securable lid with a closure mechanism for ready opening and closing of the cooler, preferably employing a zipper. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sleeve sized and configured for receiving and releasing a corresponding substantially flat and rigid utility board is affixed to the lid. A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention features a sleeve configured for tensioned retaining of a corresponding utility board such that no closure mechanism over the opening of the sleeve is required to prevent the utility board from slipping out of the sleeve.

It is contemplated that sleeves could be provided in the sides or bottom of the cooler to retain one or more utility boards according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, as shown in the phantom lines depicted in FIG. 2.

The present utility board may be constructed of virtually any rigid, insulating material including, for example, a polymer such as polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane. Alternative materials of the utility board include fiberglass, wood, cellulose and other natural fibers, vermiculite and perlite, and urea-formaldehyde, cementatious, phenolic or other insulating, closed cell materials. In yet further alternative embodiments, the removeable board may be a stainless steel, metal alloy or carbon fiber.

The removeable utility board according to the present invention enhances performance of the soft side cooler as well as providing autonomous advantages of a readily carried utility board insulating and structural support to the cooler while also providing a convenient means for storing the removeable utility board. In addition to improved cooler features, autonomous functionality of this utility board includes being readily stored and available for removal, requiring literally a single movement to get the board out for its desired purpose such as, for example, cutting, serving or any other function facilitated by a hard flat surface that may arise.

Terms, as used herein, are defined as follows. Casing refers to all pliable, or flexibld exterior, interior and other layers of material incorporated or inserted within layers of the cooler body and lid including side, front and rear panels of the exterior and enclosing the interior cavity of the cooler, and lacking a rigid or molded shell. A casing typically includes an external shell and internal lining and may incorporate or enclose a soft and flexible insulating material. Soft body cooler refers to a body that is flexible and preferably collapsible from an expanded, upright position when in use to a folded or collapsed position when not in use.

The terms “with,” “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are not mutually exclusive and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and, as such, does not exclude alternative and additional structural components and functionalities.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the removeable utility board is enclosed within a sleeve or fused atop the cooler lid, by a method employing rado frequency (RF) welding preferably atop the cooler lid, In alternative embodiments, the utility board can also be placed in sleeves on the sides or bottom of the cooler. It is particularly preferred that a material and configuration of the pocket imparts sufficient tensile stress exerted by the sleeve about the utility board to retain the utility board when inserted therein while being readily expandable to release and tensionably retain the board such that no closure mechanism is required to retain the utility board within the pocket.

The foregoing summarizes only a few aspects of the invention and is not intended to be reflective of the full or exhaustive scope of the invention as claimed. Additional features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following description and may be apparent from the description, or made obvious by practicing the invention. Moreover, both the foregoing summary and following detailed description are provided to provide explanatory examples and are not contemplated as limitations of the claims to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention; and, furthermore, are not intended in any manner to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of the soft side cooler showing the board enclosed in the lid in phantom lines with the top of the board extending beyond the sleeve opening in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the soft side cooler including phantom lines illustrating concealed elements including the board in enclosed storage position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the soft side cooler in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with open handles and released strap.

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the soft side cooler in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with open handles and released strap.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with the lid open.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of the utility board removed from the soft-body cooler in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail to enable practice of the present invention in accordance with statutory requirements. However, the detailed description exemplifies how to make and use the subject matter by illustrative embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, it has been contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the invention, illustrative embodiments are explained below. In particular, the invention is described in the context of a waterproof, leak-proof, soft side cooler having a rigid board tensionably retained within a sleeve preferably affixed atop the lid of the cooler.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the illustrated embodiment of the present invention exemplified as soft side cooler 10 is a box-like configuration, and has a casing surrounding body 2 and lid 4 featuring a removeable utility board 8 tensionably retained within sleeve 6 atop the lid 4. In addition to its uses for cutting, serving and other suitable autonomous purposes of its rigid and flat surface, utility board 8 further imparts functionalities and associated advantages as a component of cooler 10 including insulating and imparting structural support to cooler 10 while also providing a convenient means for storing the removeable utility board 8. The present soft side cooler 10 according to the illustrated embodiment has a casing surrounding a cooler body 2 including opposing side panels 2A and opposing front and rear panels 2C the lower linear edges of which are sealably adjoined to contiguous peripheral linear edges of bottom panel 2B thereto.

A particularly preferred technique employed in the manufacture of the present invention for sealable adjoining a seamless and water-tight construct of corners, joints and affixations of contiguous sections and components is radio frequency welding (“RF welding”). In the illustrated embodiment, RF welding contours rounded corners between opposing side panels 2A and opposing front and back panels 2C and sealably adjoins lower edges of sidewalls 2 to bottom 2B to impart a smooth, aesthetic as well as watertight and durable body 2. Sleeve 8 is RF welded atop lid 4 of cooler 10. RF welding is further employed to affix zipper 12 having an upper strip and a lower strip with interlocking teeth therebetween for unzipping to open and zipping to close corresponding upper linear edges of cooler body 2 and lip of lid 4. The zipper 12 includes. As shown, zipper 12 is configured and fused along corresponding edges proximate to the top of body 2 and proximate to the bottom of lid 4 such that body 2 and lid 4 may be opened and closed to maintain a consistently cool temperature thereby enhancing the insulating capacity of cooler 10, and to provide an appealing, finished product.

The present invention further includes a sleeve integrated in the lid configured for receiving and tensionably retaining substantially flat and rigid utility board 8 within the sleeve. Exemplary soft side cooler 10 further includes hand straps 14 affixed to front and rear panels 2C extending into two respective loops for wrapping about and releasable capture within a single handle. A yet further feature for convenient transporting is shoulder strap 22 releasably attached to first and second buckle 18 affixed to opposing sidewalls 2 to cooler body 2. Further aspects of the present disclosure include insulating core panels interpolated between the liner, and outer shell to improve insulation and thereby prolong cooling time. The insulating core panels may be constructed of any insulating material, preferably of a closed cell foam or rigid polymeric material in the form of one or more rigid removeably retained utility boards.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the relative orientation of utility board 8 in context of the cooler 10 and particularly lid 4 and sleeve 6 when in fully inserted and storage position. FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of the soft side cooler showing the board tucked within sleeve 6 in phantom lines with the top of the board extending beyond sleeve 6 in a solid line. FIG. 2 provides a side perspective view of cooler 10 with the utility board 8 shown with dashed phantom lines in fully inserted position within the opening of sleeve 6 atop lid 4. The casing surrounding and inner liner 20 within cooler 10 may be constructed of a wide variety of commercially available durable, pliable, waterproof, insulating materials materials adapted to promote temperature maintenance and prevent leaking and outside substances from contaminating the interior insulating core of the cooler body 2. Such suitable material include for example and without limitation, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other suitable polymeric or other material which may incorporate UV reflection or a nylon or other polymer having a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyurethane coating to enhance desired properties including durability. Moreover, in some embodiments, performance may be enhanced by application of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyurethane (PU) coating. It is understood that the aforementioned materials are exemplary illustrations of appropriate materials for fabrication of the casing and that other materials providing desired features may be used to construct the casing of cooler 10. Such features and properties can help the soft side cooler 10 maintain interior temperature despite exposure to extreme temperature variations or direct sunlight and that other materials may be used to construct the casing of the cooler according to the present invention that will provide similar functionalities and advantages. Although dimensions of alternative embodiments may vary widely to accommodate the particular use, the preferred dimensions of cooler 10 are 21 inches (53.34 cm)×10 inches (25.4 cm)×10 inches (25.4 cm).

Now referring to FIG. 5, an inner liner 20 defines the interior insulating core of cooler 10. In some embodiments, the inner liner 20 is constructed from a pliable, waterproof material. Such as, for example, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). As with the outer portions of cooler 10, the seams of the inner liner 20 are preferably RF welded, thus helping to ensure that the inner liner 2 is prevent leakage and condensation. Inner liner 20 is puncture-resistant and flexible, which further helps to ensure that the inner liner 20 will neither leak nor sweat. In alternative embodiments, the inner liner is capable of being detached from the soft side cooler 10, which, as will be appreciated, allows users to wash and maintain the sanitary condition of inner liner 20.

It is further noted that as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 2, one or more utility boards according to the present invention may be inserted between the outer casing and inner liner 20 of cooler 10 in the side walls and bottom. Each utility board provides structural support as well as shields the insulating core from warm air from entering and keeps cold air within the interior of the cooler 10 and thereby maintaining a cool temperature within the insulated core of body 2. Hence, the strength and insulating performance of the cooler is commensurate to the number of cutting boards inserted therein.

It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, sleeves and corresponding rigid utility boards can be inserted within the interior of the insulating core to form cooled and protected storage compartments wherein fragile or soft items may be protected against bruising, smashing or other damage.

In further alternative embodiments, connected rigid panels constructed of an insulating material may take the form of a single piece folded to correspond with the vertical linear bends between perpendicular contiguous planes formed by opposing side panels 2A and opposing front and back panels when in upright position. As is contemplated and understood in the field of cooler design and engineering, the materials and dimensions of the cooler and utility board according to the present invention can vary to accommodate the relevant purpose.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the soft side cooler 10 has a zipper 12 to detachably fasten cooler 10 to and from open and closed positions. Zipper 12 comprises a first side continuously attached along a linear axis parallel to a top edge of body 2 and a second side attached along a linear axis parallel to a bottom edge of lid 4. In some embodiments, each side of the zipper mechanism can comprise an outer lip, which may comprise teeth and a tape. The outer lip and inner lip are preferably RF welded to be fused to the body and lid of the cooler. In alternative embodiments, the first side and second side of the zipper be attached to the outer casing and inner liner by stitching or can alternatively affixed by various means and following various configurations.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of utility board 8 of the present invention is illustrated. As shown, utility board 8 includes a perforated handle configured and sized for grasping by a human hand in order to facilitate removal and insertion into sleeve 6. Although dimensions of alternative embodiments may vary widely to accommodate the particular use, the preferred dimensions of the illustrated utility board 8 are 18.5 inches (47 cm)×8.5 inches (21.6 cm)×⅜ inch (0.95 cm).

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described aspects for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. As will be understood, the materials and parameters described herein are exemplary and are not intended to be limiting as to the composition, configuration or parameters of the present invention. For example, in alternative embodiments, the overall shape and size of the cooler, as well as, its components can be altered to fit particular circumstances and needs of users. Moreover, in some embodiments, the cooler according to the present invention can include various accessories to serve various needs. For example, in some embodiments, the cooler may include backpack straps for transportation on a user's back as a backpack. In other embodiments, the casing may comprise a plurality of side-release buckles, which can also serve as tie downs. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. 

1. A soft side cooler, comprising: a casing composed of a pliable, insulating material defining a body including integral sidewalls having an upper linear edge and a lower linear edge and a planar bottom having edges continuously joined along the lower linear edge of the integral sidewalls thereby enclosing an insulating cavity, wherein the casing extends to a lid connected to a portion to the sidewalls wherein the lid has a lip configured for aligned correspondence with an upper linear edge of the sidewalls so the lip is capable of detachable seated correspondence with an upper linear edge of the integral sidewalls; a closure mechanism for detachable closure along a linear edge proximate to the upper linear edge of the body and proximate to a lower linear edge of the lid; and a sleeve affixed upon a surface of the lid, wherein the sleeve is configured for tensionably retaining a removeable utensil.
 2. The soft side cooler of claim 1, wherein the utensil is a utility board having a rigid and substantially flat construct and configured such that the sleeve tensionably retains the utility board within the sleeve.
 3. The soft side cooler of claim 2, wherein the sidewalls include a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, joined in perpendicular alignment by respective contiguous sides o a front panel and an opposing rear panel such that aligned lower edges of the sidewalls are joined to a bottom panel and the lid is substantially rectangular such that the cooler is substantially box-shaped and wherein the utility board is generally rectangular.
 4. The soft side cooler of claim 3, wherein the closure mechanism is a zipper having a first strip and a second strip with interlocking teeth, wherein the first strip is attached proximate to a linear top edge of the body and the second strip is affixed proximate to a bottom linear edge of the lid whereby engaging the interlocking teeth fastens the zipper to close the cooler and whereby disengaging the interlocking teeth opens the zipper to release the lid to an open position.
 5. The soft side cooler of claim 4, further comprising one or more insulating panels removeably inserted in one or more corresponding sidewalls of the cooler.
 6. The soft side cooler of claim 5, further comprising an insulating panels removeably inserted in the bottom of the cooler.
 7. The soft side cooler of claim 5, wherein the utility board is constructed of a closed cell insulating material.
 8. The soft side cooler of claim 5, wherein the utility board is constructed of a polymer.
 9. The soft side cooler of claim 5, wherein the first strip and the second strip of the zipper is composed of a flexible material.
 10. The soft side cooler of claim 4 further comprising a first hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for releasable capture within a handle.
 11. The soft side cooler of claim 10 further comprising a first side release buckle disposed on the side panel of the sidewalls and a second side release buckle disposed on the opposing side panel of the sidewalls, wherein the first side release buckle and the second side-release buckle are for securing a strap to the opposing side panels of the sidewall of the cooler.
 12. The soft side cooler of claim 11 further comprising a first hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for releasable capture within a handle.
 13. A soft side cooler, comprising: a body surrounded by an outer casing and an inner liner defining an insulating cavity, including side walls having an opposing front panel and back panel in perpendicular alignment with an opposing first side panel and second side panel such that aligned lower edges are joined to a planar bottom to thereby configure a substantially box-shaped enclosure a lid configured for aligned correspondence with an upper linear edge of the sidewalls wherein the casing on the rear panel of the body extends upwardly to integrally surround the lid and wherein the lid has a lip corresponding to an upper linear edge of the sidewalls; a zipper for detachably fastening the body and lid of the cooler, wherein the zipper has opposing ends attached on either side of the tab and wherein the zipper has a first strip and a second strip with interlocking teeth, wherein the first strip is attached proximate to a linear top edge of the body and the second strip is affixed proximate to a bottom linear edge of the lid whereby engaging the interlocking teeth fastens the zipper to close the cooler and whereby disengaging the interlocking teeth opens the zipper to release the lid to an open position; and a sleeve affixed upon a surface of the lid, wherein the sleeve is configured for tensioned retaining of a removeable utility board, wherein the utility board has a rigid and substantially flat construct sized and shaped such that the sleeve exerts sufficient tensile stress for retaining the utility board within the sleeve.
 14. The soft side cooler of claim 13, wherein the sidewalls have RF welded corners and the sidewalls are RF welded to the contiguous peripheral edges of the bottom.
 15. A soft side cooler, comprising: a body defined by an outer casing and an inner lining, wherein the casing and inner lining are composed of a pliable, insulating material and enclose an insulating cavity, and wherein the body includes sidewalls having a front panel and a rear panel in perpendicular alignment with a first side panel and an opposing second side panel such that aligned lower linear edges are continuously affixed to outer edges of the planar bottom to thereby configure a substantially box-shaped enclosure; a lid configured for aligned correspondence with an upper linear edge of the sidewalls, wherein a tab connects a section of the rear panel of the body to a corresponding section of the lid and wherein the lid has a lip corresponding to an upper linear edge of the sidewalls; a zipper for detachably fastening the body and lid of the cooler, wherein the zipper has opposing ends attached on either side of the tab and wherein the zipper has a first strip and a second strip with interlocking teeth, wherein the first strip is attached proximate to a linear top edge of the body and the second strip is affixed proximate to a bottom linear edge of the lid whereby engaging the interlocking teeth fastens the zipper to close the cooler and whereby disengaging the interlocking teeth opens the zipper to release the lid to an open position and a sleeve affixed along a surface of the body of the cooler, wherein the sleeve is configured for tensionable retaining of a removeable utility board, wherein the utility board having a rigid and substantially flat construct sized and shaped such the insertion of the utility board is tensionably retained within the sleeve.
 16. The soft side cooler of claim 15, wherein the tensionable retaining of the utility board by the sleeve is capable of preventing the utility board from being released due to pressure resulting from tipping or physical forces.
 17. The soft side cooler of claim 15 further comprising a first hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for releasable capture within a handle.
 18. The soft side cooler of claim 15 further comprising a first side release buckle disposed on the side panel of the sidewalls and a second side release buckle disposed on the opposing side panel of the sidewalls, wherein the first side release buckle and the second side-release buckle are for securing a strap to the opposing side panels of the sidewall of the cooler.
 19. The soft side cooler of claim 18 further comprising a first hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for releasable capture within a handle. 